Private car blocks emergency vehicle, patient dies in Samut Prakan

Yesterday, November 3, at roughly 9.30pm, a car obstructed an emergency vehicle in Samut Prakan, ultimately resulting in a patient’s death. Despite lights and sirens, the car’s driver refused to yield for over a minute, causing delays for the rescue team.

The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, shows the emergency vehicle from Samut Prakan City Municipality attempting to navigate through Praksa Road en route to an emergency. However, the vehicle was delayed by a Honda car that occupied the rightmost lane, ignoring the flashing lights and sirens of the rescue vehicle.

The incident took place yesterday as the emergency team was responding to a call regarding an unconscious patient. Nakhon Rattanaprapasala, part of the rescue team, recounted their experience as they rushed the patient to the hospital.

The Honda car not only failed to yield but also occasionally braked abruptly in front of the rescue vehicle, forcing the team to manoeuvre around it. Nakhon, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that despite using a microphone to announce their need for the right of way, the car remained unmoved.

He explained that the delay lasted about one minute before the team could finally find an opening to bypass the car at the entrance of Phut Si Soi, also known as Soi 7 Praksa. Unfortunately, by the time they reached the patient, it was too late.

The video of the incident quickly gained traction online, drawing a significant amount of comments from the public. Many expressed their concerns and frustrations over the lack of cooperation from some road users in emergencies.

Rattanaprapasala urged other drivers to be more considerate when they see emergency vehicles, stressing the importance of every second in life-threatening situations.

The family of the deceased patient was informed of the circumstances but they chose not to take legal action against the driver.

Sukanya Sukklin, another member of the rescue team, also shared her perspective on the incident. She explained that all other vehicles moved aside to allow the emergency vehicle to pass, except for the Honda. Sukklin decided to record the event on her phone as it became clear the driver would not yield.

Sukklin emphasised the importance of viewing every road user as a family member, urging a collective sense of responsibility to prevent unnecessary losses.